Kirby's Adventure 1993 VIDEO GAME REVIEW

After playing Kirby's Dream Land a couple of days ago and reviewing it, I decided to play the follow up, Kirby's Adventure, and this game took me a little longer to finish than the previous game, a couple of days at the very least. What I found very confusing was why was game released on the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and not the Game Boy like the previous game. Was it because NES games were still made in the 90s? Was it because they wanted to make the game in colour and not grayscale like the previous game? I don't know, but it was a very interesting move and I actually liked the colouring and the graphics of the game.

The game stands out as a late-era masterpiece for the NES. Released in 1993, this game is a charming and inventive platformer that introduced the world to Kirby's ability to copy enemy powers.

The most significant and celebrated feature is its "Copy Ability." By inhaling and swallowing specific enemies, Kirby can gain their powers, transforming his appearance and opening up a huge variety of attacks. This mechanic is a game-changer, and it's what truly sets the game apart from other platformers of the time. The sheer number of abilities means that every level feels like a new experience, and discovering what each enemy gives you is a constant delight. This system also encourages exploration, as certain powers are required to find hidden areas and secret switches to achieve 100% completion.

The game is a visual and auditory treat. The graphics are incredibly vibrant and colourful for an NES title, with detailed sprites and backgrounds that bring Dream Land to life. The music is equally memorable and upbeat, perfectly capturing the whimsical and cheerful tone of the game. The level design is varied and clever, and the hub world, a map that allows you to revisit stages and access mini-games, is a welcome feature that was advanced for its time.

However, despite its many strengths, the game is not without its flaws, and one of the most significant is its relative lack of challenge. Kirby has a generous health bar, and with his ability to float infinitely (a feature that returns from Kirby's Dream Land), many platforming obstacles are easily bypassed. While this makes it accessible for all ages, it can feel a bit too easy for veteran gamers. The game's difficulty only ramps up in a handful of later levels and during some boss fights, but for the most part, it's a casual and relaxing experience. There is also occasional slowdown when a large number of enemies or particle effects are on screen, a common issue for many NES titles that is still present here.

Kirby's Adventure is a landmark title in the Kirby series and is a joyful and creative experience that laid the groundwork for the franchise's future. While its low difficulty and some minor technical hiccups keep it from being a true classic, its innovation, charm, and overall fun factor make it a game well worth playing.

7/10

Kirby's Dream Land 1992 VIDEO GAME REVIEW

 

This game took me two hours to complete and I was absolutely thrilled when I completed it. I had to put it on my Instagram story that I had completed the game because it took me so long and I thought it was a big achievement of mine. I know that sounds ridiculous, but God forbid (I don't believe in God. I just like the phrase) someone like me wants to have fun. For anybody that is interested, I didn't play this on a Game Boy. I played on an emulator on my laptop, so the reason that it took me so long to complete was either the very complex controls on the emulator or that I suck arse at video games. It might be both. So I mark this post the first ever video game review on this my blog. 

Kirby's Dream Land is the video game equivalent of a light snack. It's charming, easy to consume, and leaves you wanting a bit more. When it launched for the original Game Boy in 1992, it introduced the world to Kirby, the puffy pink puffball (in the game and on the cover, he is white) with a bottomless stomach. I'm surprised he doesn't get diabetes. Looking back, it's clear this was more of a charming first step than a grand adventure, but it's one that laid the foundation for one of Nintendo's most enduring franchises.

The game's premise is simple: King Dedede has stolen all the food from Dream Land and it's up to Kirby to get it back. The gameplay is equally straightforward. As Kirby, you float through the air by inhaling air and, most importantly, you can swallow enemies or spit them out as a projectile. Unlike later games in the series, there are no copy abilities here. You can't steal a sword from a enemy or breathe fire; you can only use their bodies as ammunition. While this keeps things simple, it also means the game lacks the strategic depth that would come to define the series.

The biggest thing that holds the game back is its length and difficulty. You can breeze through all five levels in about thirty minutes, and there's very little to challenge even the most casual player, like I just said that it took me two hours to complete the game. The bosses are a fun showcase of the game's mechanics, but they go down quickly. This makes it perfect for a first-time gamer or a quick trip down memory lane, but it doesn't offer much in the way of a long-lasting experience.

On the other hand, the game's presentation is spot-on. The graphics are simple, yet full of personality, making the most of the Game Boy's limited grayscale palette. The cheerful soundtrack is an instant mood-lifter and is still recognizable to this day. It's a testament to the game's artistic direction that it can still feel so bright and lively despite the hardware's constraints.

6/10

Absofacto Thousand Peaces 2017 EP REVIEW

 

Absofacto's (real name Jonathan Visger) Thousand Peaces EP is a strong and compelling listen that showcases the artist's unique blend of indie pop and electronic textures. The EP's biggest strength lies in its ability to craft memorable melodies and atmospheric soundscapes. The breakout hit, Dissolve, is the main draw, and for several good reasons. Its infectious synth hook and melancholic lyrics create a perfect storm of emotional resonance and danceable rhythm.

Beyond Dissolve, the other tracks on the EP are also solid, though they don't quite reach the same level of iconic status. Light Outside is a beautiful, dreamy piece with a driving beat, while Someone Else's Dream is another highlight, with a hypnotic groove and Visger's distinctive vocals. The EP as a whole is a cohesive and well-produced work, demonstrating his knack for creating music that is both catchy and thought-provoking.

The main drawback is that it leaves you wanting more, because of the fact that it is an EP and not a full studio album. However, we were in fact given an album named Cocoon with all four tracks on this EP featured on said album. 

While each track of the EP is excellent in its own right, the project feels a little too short to fully explore the artist's potential. It's a fantastic snapshot of a particular sound, but it doesn't offer the comprehensive journey of a full-length album.

Overall, Thousand Peaces is a highly enjoyable and well-crafted EP. It's a great introduction to Absofacto's music and a testament to his talent for creating memorable, emotionally resonant synth-pop.

8/10

Nessa Barrett hell is a teenage girl 2023 EP REVIEW

I'd thought I'll make this blog because it was Nessa Barrett's birthday yesterday and I thought it would be good to make this as a late birthday present.

First of all, I want to talk about the EP cover. There isn't a lot of colours going on, but the shades of grey and white go quite well with the aesthetics of the album and its cover. I believe the slight pinks on the parental advisory logo and in the ribbons in Barrett's hair stand out the most because despite there being very little of the colour, it is the most visible colour on the cover.

This EP is a powerful and candid anthem that perfectly encapsulates the turbulent emotions of adolescence. The song's title itself is a bold statement, and Barrett doesn't shy away from exploring the darkness and insecurities that come with being a young woman. The lyrics are raw and relatable, touching on themes of self-doubt, social pressure, and the feeling of being misunderstood. Several of Barrett's lyrics are instantly memorable and paint a vivid picture of the internal chaos that many teenagers experience.

Musically, the songs are a compelling blend of pop-punk and alternative rock. The driving beat and distorted guitars create a sense of urgency and angst, while Barrett's ethereal vocals provide a haunting contrast. The production is polished yet retains a DIY, garage-band feel, which adds to the song's authenticity. The bridge, in particular, is a standout moment, with a sudden shift in tempo and a soaring vocal performance that showcases Barrett's impressive range.

While hell is a teenage girl is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant EP, it's not without its minor flaws. Some of the lyrical metaphors, while effective, can feel a bit cliché at times. Additionally, the EP's structure, while solid, doesn't offer many surprises. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent song. The track succeeds in its primary goal: to give a voice to the anxieties and frustrations of a generation. It's a cathartic and empowering listen that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

Overall, this EP is a strong addition to Nessa Barrett's discography. It's a raw, honest, and sonically compelling song that cements her place as a powerful voice in the pop-punk revival. It's a track that deserves to be played loud, with the windows down, on a late-night drive.

7/10